Homemade Machinist Tool Chest Made from Plywood

**Paul Jones** · Dec 19, 2014, 12:09 AM

Here are some photos of a machinist tool chest I built in 1968 when I was a teenager. It is somewhat crude compared to what I can build today but it works well and has been in constant use all these years. It was built from 1/4" scrap plywood we had left over from finishing a basement remodel. For my birthday during the summer of 1968 my father gave me a Rockwell-Delta 9" table saw (which I still have). It turned out to be a very wise and strategic tool investment because I eventually built more than a dozen built-in cabinets and a finished basement for my parents' house on Bainbridge Island, WA.

This machinist tool box was my first project using the new table saw and only took about three days to part-time build using predrilled holes for fine nails and aliphatic glue. The individual drawers slide very smoothly even when full of tools and extend almost fully despite not having any side or bottom runners. The drawers slide on 1/4" thick plywood dividers that act as a shelf and provide plenty of support when the toolbox is full of tools. I added two small downward protruding machine screws near the top front corners of each drawer opening to serve as stops to prevent the drawers from coming completely out and spilling their contents (in one photo with an open drawer you can see one of these screws). The brass tabs along the bottom and top held a fine brass chain that was used to "lock" the chest.

All drawers but the top two are lined in a fine red felt that I bought on sale after Christmas 1968. The felt was attached using a spray can of the 3-M sprayment adhesive (not sure if this is made anymore) and then very carefully aligned and laid down without stretching or leaving any bumps in the felt. This machinist tool chest is now used mostly for storing cutting tools, carbide inserts, and files. I now use the Kennedy metal tool chests to hold my precision tools, parallels, vee-blocks and other precision set-up tools.

**DIYer** · Dec 19, 2014, 07:09 AM

Considering that it's made from scrap plywood, and in 1968, is very well kept. Good job!

**MetalDesigner** · Dec 19, 2014, 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by Paul Jones

Here are some photos of a machinist tool chest I built in 1968 when I was a teenager. It is somewhat crude compared to what I can build today but it works well and has been in constant use all these years. It was built from 1/4" scrap plywood we had left over from finishing a basement remodel. For my birthday during the summer of 1968 my father gave me a Rockwell-Delta 9" table saw (which I still have). It turned out to be a very wise and strategic tool investment because I eventually built more than a dozen built-in cabinets and a finished basement for my parents' house on Bainbridge Island, WA. This machinist tool box was my first project using the new table saw and only took about three days to build using predrilled holes for fine nails and aliphatic glue. The individual drawers slide very smoothly even when full of tools and extend almost fully despite not having any side or bottom runners. I added two small downward protruding machine screws near the top front corners of each drawer opening to serve as stops to prevent the drawers from coming completely out and spilling their contents (in one photo with an open drawer you can see one of these screws). The brass tabs along the bottom and top held a fine brass chain that was used to "lock" the chest. All drawers bu the top tow are lined in a fine red felt that I bought on sale after Christmas 1968. The felt was attached using a spray can of the 3-M sprayment adhesive (not sure if this is made anymore) and then very carefully aligned and laid down without stretching or leaving any bumps in the felt. This machinist tool chest is now used mostly for storing cutting tools, carbide inserts, and files. I now use the Kennedy metal tool chests to hold my precision tools, parallels, vee-blocks and other precision set-up tools.

If I had any woodworking talent I would make a few of these!!! WELL DONE!! ... and the History to them makes a great read!! CHEERS!!

**Paul Jones** · Dec 19, 2014, 10:30 AM

I appreciate the comments. My real life lesson was to buy your kids tools and encourage them to use them well for a lifetime of building enjoyment. My dad would always tell me "Paul, stop pointing out your building mistakes because only you can see them", and my response was "yes, I know, but I want others to see them so they can do it even better". I have learned a lot from mistakes and near misses. Thanks again, Paul

**Paul Jones** · Dec 19, 2014, 10:47 AM

Thanks and it looks better in the photos. Last year, the only improvement was a very light sanding on all finishes to remove the scratches (particularly around the knobs) and a couple of coats of Deft semi-gloss clear wood spay finish (my favorite product for this purpose). I did the original finish in a gloss which makes any added finishes look glossy.

The overall dimensions are 20"Wx16"Hx9.5"D, and the inside drawer depths are 1", 1.75", and 4". Back in 1968, I used a hollow-ground planer blade (these were the best blades available until carbide tipped blades) to cut the plywood without splintering.

**Christophe Mineau** · Dec 19, 2014, 12:37 PM

Yes, Paul, this is the one I caught sight of when you posted another tool, isn't it ?
It is really good looking ! and seems to be fully useful.
Well done.
Christophe

**kbalch** · Dec 19, 2014, 01:19 PM

Thanks Paul! I've added your Machinist Tool Chest to our Storage and Organization and Woodworking categories, as well as to your builder page: Paul Jones' Homemade Tools. Your receipt: